Attending to Gifts

Your wedding party is an entourage of childhood friends, college roommates, siblings and other close family members. Most have been by your side, contributing their time, energy and love throughout the entire wedding planning process. So, when the big event is about to happen, how best can brides and grooms offer their thanks?

As one would when shopping for any gift, it's best to keep each individual in mind, choosing imaginative and stylish gifts that come from the heart, say bridal advisers at theknot.com.

Are traditional gifts the way to go?

"Brides can give the bridesmaids something to wear on the wedding day such as a necklace or earrings," said Kathleen Murray, weddings editor at The Knot. "For the guys, a wine set, Swiss Army knife and golf kits are great traditional ideas."

Looking for something a little trendier?

Owen Halpern, co-owner of OwenLawrence, an Atlanta boutique, prides himself on offering shoppers items they won't see in every other shop.

For bridal attendant gifts he suggests a crystal bedside carafe, Italian crystal clocks by Arnolfo Di Cambio or beautifully boxed Italian vodka shot glasses by Salviati -- all gift items that are as special as the occasion they mark.

He also said people are "loving" gift items called Elton Rocks, made out of colored, scented resin -- "sort of an alternative to potpourri." (According to Halpern, Elton John allowed his name to be used on the product because a portion of the proceeds are donated to his AIDS foundation.)

Halpern indulges OwenLawrence shoppers with champagne or signature bellinis, offered "only in crystal with linen napkins -- no paper or plastic," to help everyone enjoy "the finer things in life."

"It's a stressful time. Brides and grooms can relax and enjoy the shopping experience," Halpern said.

Anything monogrammed is also popular for attendant gifts.

"Monogramming anything from jewelry to flasks to sandals for a beach wedding is hot right now," Murray said.

While fountain pens may have become the joke of traditional bar mitzvah gifting, pens are popular as gifts for grooms' attendants.

"We've sold everything form Mont Blanc, Cross and Watermans to Parker and Cartier. Generally we engrave initials of the groomsmen. It's a small gift, but it's a valued one," said Steve Light of Artlite.

No matter how much appreciation you might want to lavish upon your bridal attendants, the sheer quantity can tally a daunting price tag. Be sure to ask yourself how much you plan -- and can afford -- to spend.

Murray normally advises bridal couples to spend what they can, but on average it's usually $75 per person. The best man and matron or maid of honor should get something a little more lavish.

Yet, if a tight budget is cramping your style, there are great ways to get by.

Inexpensive gifts for bridesmaids can include an engraved silver photo frame or compact mirror, nice jewelry or beautiful candles.

"Inexpensive gifts are really just being able to find a great buy," she said. "The bride may find a bracelet worth thousands of dollars, but if they look harder, they can find one for a lot less."

Of course, if you decide to splurge on the wedding party, the options are endless. "The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World" offers ideas ranging from remote control cars for guys, a certificate for an acclaimed restaurant or spa certificates to tickets to a game or play, silk pajamas, beauty baskets or cigars.

For bridesmaids, Murray says classes are always a popular item.

"Cooking, wine tasting, photography classes are all great options," she said. "Again, base your decision upon each bridesmaid's specific interest. For groomsmen, look into golf or ski lessons or even a bottle or case of wine from a great vineyard."

Still stuck on what to get? Consider using your own talents. Artists can create drawings, paintings or pottery, while musicians can create a CD of their own music.

"If a couple does not feel they have such talents, or do not have time to make their gifts, they can have gift baskets created that are personalized to each attendants' tastes and interests," Murray said.

Laura Vogltanz of Copley News Service contributed to this article.

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